Rose Bowl’s Limited Role in 2028 Olympics Sparks Debate
The iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, will host only five matches during the 2028 Summer Olympics, including the men’s and women’s gold medal soccer finals. This limited schedule, a significant reduction from its nine matches during the 1984 Olympics, has sparked discussion regarding field conditions, security concerns, and the broader distribution of matches across the Los Angeles area.
Concerns Over Field Condition and Security
According to LA28 organizers, the decision to restrict the number of matches at the Rose Bowl stems primarily from concerns about the wear and tear on the stadium’s pitch. FIFA, the international governing body for soccer, and local organizers expressed these concerns, alongside security considerations and the potential for overburdening the surrounding area.
Shift to MLS Stadiums
The majority of the 58 matches in the Olympic women’s and men’s soccer tournaments – 53 in total – will be held in Major League Soccer (MLS) stadiums across six cities and three time zones. San Diego will host 11 matches, including both semifinals and bronze medal matches. New York, Columbus, and Nashville will each host nine matches, while St. Louis will host eight and San Jose will host seven.
These MLS stadiums, with capacities ranging from 18,000 (San Jose) to 35,000 (San Diego), are considered a better fit for the Olympic tournaments than larger venues like Stanford Stadium, which previously hosted matches in the 1984 Olympics and 1994 World Cup.
Historical Context and Venue Usage
The Rose Bowl has a rich history of hosting major soccer events, including the 1984 Olympic soccer finals, the 1994 World Cup final, and the 1999 Women’s World Cup final. Yet, the 2028 schedule represents a significant decrease from the nine matches hosted during the 1984 Olympic men’s tournament. Women’s soccer was not included in the Olympics until the 1996 Games.
The Los Angeles area’s other MLS venues will also play a role in the Games. BMO Stadium will host Olympic flag football and lacrosse competitions, while Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson will be the site for archery and rugby events.
Attendance Trends and Stadium Selection
Organizers are also considering attendance trends when selecting venues. Data from the 2024 Olympic women’s tournament showed that half of the first-round matches drew fewer than 10,000 spectators, suggesting a preference for more intimate stadium settings.
Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
Adjacent to the Rose Bowl, the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center will host the Olympic diving competition.